Excited to have agreed a deal on 66 coup. Advice now neede
#1
Excited to have agreed a deal on 66 coup. Advice now neede
I have just agreed to buy a lightly modified Vette which I found thanks to this forum! Originally it was a low spec 327 that had lost its original engine years ago. The chap I bought it from restored it himself but the quality of his work is the equal of any pro restoration I have seen.
I intend to use it to get to vintage race meets in Europe and the UK which will often mean 500+ mile journeys! I want the car to look period correct and not like a hot rod but I also want it to drive really well and most importantly have enough creacher comforts that on the odd occasion my wife comes too we don't end up in a divorce!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1&d=1487185473
Current Spec.
- Dart SHP 400 SHC with alloy heads and Crower internals.
- Vintage air heat and AC
- March performance accessory drive
- new power steering
- TKO 600 5 speed and full drive line and axles
-Posi Traction 3.70 diff
-Suspension all new with carbon rear leaf
- Willowood alloy breaks
Possible changes/upgrades.
- Holley EFI. Is this worth doing, is it the best?
- Steeroids rack power steering.
- I want tail pipes not side. Do I need to get my exhaust chap to make headers and pipes or can I buy good off the shelf performance ones?
- remove red paint from calipors.
- Change wheels to 15" Torque Thrust.
- tyres? I really don't like the look of modern tread pattern tyres on old cars but I want good performance. Thinking of Dunlop or Avon vintage race tyres, but would really like some advice here. Also if I fit the big bloon style Dunlop 700s will they fit under the rear arches without moding them?
- Seats.... I love the look of the original seats but they are like sitting on an over sprung chesterfield sofa. They offer no suport when doing spirited driving. Has anyone got ideas on how to improve them or upgrade them whilst retaining period look?
- leg room, is there an easy way to get more.
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
I intend to use it to get to vintage race meets in Europe and the UK which will often mean 500+ mile journeys! I want the car to look period correct and not like a hot rod but I also want it to drive really well and most importantly have enough creacher comforts that on the odd occasion my wife comes too we don't end up in a divorce!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1&d=1487185473
Current Spec.
- Dart SHP 400 SHC with alloy heads and Crower internals.
- Vintage air heat and AC
- March performance accessory drive
- new power steering
- TKO 600 5 speed and full drive line and axles
-Posi Traction 3.70 diff
-Suspension all new with carbon rear leaf
- Willowood alloy breaks
Possible changes/upgrades.
- Holley EFI. Is this worth doing, is it the best?
- Steeroids rack power steering.
- I want tail pipes not side. Do I need to get my exhaust chap to make headers and pipes or can I buy good off the shelf performance ones?
- remove red paint from calipors.
- Change wheels to 15" Torque Thrust.
- tyres? I really don't like the look of modern tread pattern tyres on old cars but I want good performance. Thinking of Dunlop or Avon vintage race tyres, but would really like some advice here. Also if I fit the big bloon style Dunlop 700s will they fit under the rear arches without moding them?
- Seats.... I love the look of the original seats but they are like sitting on an over sprung chesterfield sofa. They offer no suport when doing spirited driving. Has anyone got ideas on how to improve them or upgrade them whilst retaining period look?
- leg room, is there an easy way to get more.
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
#2
The how much your going to invest.link only takes us to the picture ,IN American dollars give us an idea
#3
Team Owner
I have just agreed to buy a lightly modified Vette which I found thanks to this forum! Originally it was a low spec 327 that had lost its original engine years ago. The chap I bought it from restored it himself but the quality of his work is the equal of any pro restoration I have seen.
I intend to use it to get to vintage race meets in Europe and the UK which will often mean 500+ mile journeys! I want the car to look period correct and not like a hot rod but I also want it to drive really well and most importantly have enough creacher comforts that on the odd occasion my wife comes too we don't end up in a divorce!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1&d=1487185473
Current Spec.
- Dart SHP 400 SHC with alloy heads and Crower internals.
- Vintage air heat and AC
- March performance accessory drive
- new power steering
- TKO 600 5 speed and full drive line and axles
-Posi Traction 3.70 diff
-Suspension all new with carbon rear leaf
- Willowood alloy breaks
Possible changes/upgrades.
I intend to use it to get to vintage race meets in Europe and the UK which will often mean 500+ mile journeys! I want the car to look period correct and not like a hot rod but I also want it to drive really well and most importantly have enough creacher comforts that on the odd occasion my wife comes too we don't end up in a divorce!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1&d=1487185473
Current Spec.
- Dart SHP 400 SHC with alloy heads and Crower internals.
- Vintage air heat and AC
- March performance accessory drive
- new power steering
- TKO 600 5 speed and full drive line and axles
-Posi Traction 3.70 diff
-Suspension all new with carbon rear leaf
- Willowood alloy breaks
Possible changes/upgrades.
- Holley EFI. Is this worth doing, is it the best?
- Steeroids rack power steering.
Go for it.
- I want tail pipes not side. Do I need to get my exhaust chap to make headers and pipes or can I buy good off the shelf performance ones?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ld-i-have.html
- remove red paint from calipors.
- Change wheels to 15" Torque Thrust.
- Change wheels to 15" Torque Thrust.
- tyres? I really don't like the look of modern tread pattern tyres on old cars but I want good performance. Thinking of Dunlop or Avon vintage race tyres, but would really like some advice here. Also if I fit the big bloon style Dunlop 700s will they fit under the rear arches without moding them?
- Seats.... I love the look of the original seats but they are like sitting on an over sprung chesterfield sofa. They offer no suport when doing spirited driving. Has anyone got ideas on how to improve them or upgrade them whilst retaining period look?
- Seats.... I love the look of the original seats but they are like sitting on an over sprung chesterfield sofa. They offer no suport when doing spirited driving. Has anyone got ideas on how to improve them or upgrade them whilst retaining period look?
- leg room, is there an easy way to get more.
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 02-15-2017 at 03:42 PM.
#4
Race Director
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: Inverness FL
Posts: 17,891
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St. Jude Donor '07
I intend to use it to get to vintage race meets in Europe and the UK which will often mean 500+ mile journeys! I want the car to look period correct and not like a hot rod but I also want it to drive really well and most importantly have enough creacher comforts that on the odd occasion my wife comes too we don't end up in a divorce!
- I want tail pipes not side. Do I need to get my exhaust chap to make headers and pipes or can I buy good off the shelf performance ones?
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
- I want tail pipes not side. Do I need to get my exhaust chap to make headers and pipes or can I buy good off the shelf performance ones?
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
otherwise, congratulations...
Bill
#6
Drifting
Drive it a while to see what you really need to do to make it fit your intended uses. Personally, I like its appearance and wouldn't change a thing - particularly the side pipes. A pair of asbestos chaps would be cheaper than a proper conversion to an undercar system.
#7
Instructor
I have just agreed to buy a lightly modified Vette which I found thanks to this forum! Originally it was a low spec 327 that had lost its original engine years ago. The chap I bought it from restored it himself but the quality of his work is the equal of any pro restoration I have seen.
I intend to use it to get to vintage race meets in Europe and the UK which will often mean 500+ mile journeys! I want the car to look period correct and not like a hot rod but I also want it to drive really well and most importantly have enough creacher comforts that on the odd occasion my wife comes too we don't end up in a divorce!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1&d=1487185473
Current Spec.
- Dart SHP 400 SHC with alloy heads and Crower internals.
- Vintage air heat and AC
- March performance accessory drive
- new power steering
- TKO 600 5 speed and full drive line and axles
-Posi Traction 3.70 diff
-Suspension all new with carbon rear leaf
- Willowood alloy breaks
Possible changes/upgrades.
- Holley EFI. Is this worth doing, is it the best?
- Steeroids rack power steering.
- I want tail pipes not side. Do I need to get my exhaust chap to make headers and pipes or can I buy good off the shelf performance ones?
- remove red paint from calipors.
- Change wheels to 15" Torque Thrust.
- tyres? I really don't like the look of modern tread pattern tyres on old cars but I want good performance. Thinking of Dunlop or Avon vintage race tyres, but would really like some advice here. Also if I fit the big bloon style Dunlop 700s will they fit under the rear arches without moding them?
- Seats.... I love the look of the original seats but they are like sitting on an over sprung chesterfield sofa. They offer no suport when doing spirited driving. Has anyone got ideas on how to improve them or upgrade them whilst retaining period look?
- leg room, is there an easy way to get more.
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
I intend to use it to get to vintage race meets in Europe and the UK which will often mean 500+ mile journeys! I want the car to look period correct and not like a hot rod but I also want it to drive really well and most importantly have enough creacher comforts that on the odd occasion my wife comes too we don't end up in a divorce!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1&d=1487185473
Current Spec.
- Dart SHP 400 SHC with alloy heads and Crower internals.
- Vintage air heat and AC
- March performance accessory drive
- new power steering
- TKO 600 5 speed and full drive line and axles
-Posi Traction 3.70 diff
-Suspension all new with carbon rear leaf
- Willowood alloy breaks
Possible changes/upgrades.
- Holley EFI. Is this worth doing, is it the best?
- Steeroids rack power steering.
- I want tail pipes not side. Do I need to get my exhaust chap to make headers and pipes or can I buy good off the shelf performance ones?
- remove red paint from calipors.
- Change wheels to 15" Torque Thrust.
- tyres? I really don't like the look of modern tread pattern tyres on old cars but I want good performance. Thinking of Dunlop or Avon vintage race tyres, but would really like some advice here. Also if I fit the big bloon style Dunlop 700s will they fit under the rear arches without moding them?
- Seats.... I love the look of the original seats but they are like sitting on an over sprung chesterfield sofa. They offer no suport when doing spirited driving. Has anyone got ideas on how to improve them or upgrade them whilst retaining period look?
- leg room, is there an easy way to get more.
I really would appreciated some advice on the above as I have been following this forum for some time now and the wealth of knowledge and experience you have is huge.
Jamie
Since you plan on driving this car have a QUALIFIED mechanic check the rear wheel bearings. Any trouble you have on the road can be fixed by most shops, but not the rear wheel bearings, these take an expert. Looks like a nice ride, good luck with it! Bill
#8
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
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I agree on the part of driving for several hundred miles before you make any changes. but the side pipes would go quicker. headers with chambered exhaust would be best.
#10
Enjoy while you can.
Member Since: May 2008
Location: 10th District Court OHIO
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Ohio Events Coordinator
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C2 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
A great sweet silver '66 coupe, but the pipes must be changed to look original.
Well, I took another look. They look sorta of ok, with those wheels.
Well, I took another look. They look sorta of ok, with those wheels.
Last edited by dahogan; 02-15-2017 at 05:49 PM.
#11
That's the great thing about old cars, we all have our own ideas about what looks best...... For me the side pipes and and oversized wheels just detract from the stunning original lines
#12
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Jan 2002
Location: Redondo Beach CA
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C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
You WILL burn your legs on the side pipes no matter how hard you work to remember they are there. Check the frame to be sure that the holes for the undercar exhaust are still round. Make sure the headers/exhaust you buy will work with your transmission.
The calipers may be powder coated and hard to paint. You might end up leaving them as is depending on costs to re-do them.
I'm pretty sure these seats will fit and be comfortable: http://procarbyscat.com/seats/Elite-Lumbar or others by the same company.
The calipers may be powder coated and hard to paint. You might end up leaving them as is depending on costs to re-do them.
I'm pretty sure these seats will fit and be comfortable: http://procarbyscat.com/seats/Elite-Lumbar or others by the same company.
#13
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
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2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have a '66 L79 convertible and Added Steeroids R&P and love it, so I do recommend that mod. I also changed my original wheels to 15" TT that I also love, but we are getting extremely limited on our choice of performance tires in 15" sizes. You can do a search on this forum for EFI conversions, but I think the consensus is it is expensive and a cr@pshoot on getting it to work properly, so I would stick with a carburetor. I would also like to upgrade my seats. Another forum search will show you what other forum members have done to upgrade theirs. If I remember correctly, some have used C5 seats in coupes, which look great. I would hesitate to put them in my convertible because I think they sit too high with the rear deck. I also agree on removing those sidepipes, but only because your wife will be driving with you. Not only will you not be able to have a conversation, it is only a matter of time before she burns her leg on them. Good luck with your new ride and keep us informed on your changes.
#14
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
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C5 seats are not that great if you want to be held in. After about 92 Vette seats caterer to a larger rear end
#15
Safety Car
I would get those pipes off quickly, wife will burn leg and your toast! After that then I would drive it, and really see what needs to be done. Nice looking car!
#16
Burning Brakes
pipes
ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY get rid of those side pipes... they are 'leg burners' if touched with bare skin... do you want your wife's legs scarred with burns... regular corvette side pipes do not have that problem, and, of course, undercar exhausts obviously don't have that problem...
otherwise, congratulations...
Bill
otherwise, congratulations...
Bill
#19
Team Owner
Knee high socks on a Corvette driver ?....in Florida those would have to be white and require seersucker shorts and wingtip shoes..
Those pipes belong on a Cobra kit car IMO - lose 'em... Its not just your wife, I've seen owners with such pipes have to stand around until their car cooled off to keep spectators' kids from getting their hide picked...
Those pipes belong on a Cobra kit car IMO - lose 'em... Its not just your wife, I've seen owners with such pipes have to stand around until their car cooled off to keep spectators' kids from getting their hide picked...
#20
I have a '66 L79 convertible and Added Steeroids R&P and love it, so I do recommend that mod. I also changed my original wheels to 15" TT that I also love, but we are getting extremely limited on our choice of performance tires in 15" sizes. You can do a search on this forum for EFI conversions, but I think the consensus is it is expensive and a cr@pshoot on getting it to work properly, so I would stick with a carburetor. I would also like to upgrade my seats. Another forum search will show you what other forum members have done to upgrade theirs. If I remember correctly, some have used C5 seats in coupes, which look great. I would hesitate to put them in my convertible because I think they sit too high with the rear deck. I also agree on removing those sidepipes, but only because your wife will be driving with you. Not only will you not be able to have a conversation, it is only a matter of time before she burns her leg on them. Good luck with your new ride and keep us informed on your changes.
I can attest to that took my big block 67 to paint shop and wife burned ankle on pipes